How To Hire A Car In Kenya

How To Hire A Car In Kenya

In this article Keweb. co tries to answer the question by publishing the ways one can Hire A Car in Kenya

Below are the most helpful ways to Hire A Car in Kenya

1. How much does it cost to hire a car in Kenya?

Renting a car in Kenya will cost you anything from USD. $50 per day to USD $300 per day depending on the type of car you would like to hire and over what period of time.

2. Is it safe to hire a car in Kenya?

It is safe to hire a car in Kenya. You need a valid driver’s license, a Passport with a Valid Visa to the Republic of Kenya, or a valid Kenyan National Identity Card, Location of residence, and funds to pay for the rental.

3. Which car can I hire to go on safari in Kenya?

You can hire a medium size SUV like a Toyota Rav4 or a Toyota Landcruiser with an open roof. These vehicles are all available.

4. Can you drive with a foreign driving license in Kenya?

Yes, you can drive with a foreign driving license for a period of one year. After which you will need to apply for a Kenyan driving license through the process of either going to a driving school or seeking endorsement of your foreign license to allow you to drive in Kenya.

5. Can I pay using my credit card or debit card when renting a car in Kenya?

Yes, you can pay using your credit or debit card. However, just like all other transactions caution needs to be take. We would advise that you make part payment/deposit to a company bank account.

6. What documents do I need to have before hiring a car in Kenya?

You require to have original copies of your valid Driver’s license, National ID / Passport, and the following secondary documents; an Official letter from your company/employer, business license certificate, valid entry VISA (proof of entry into the country), work permit, Work Place Identity Card, Utility bill or any other relevant document.

7. What do I need to hire a car in Nairobi?

You will need your valid driver’s license, your National Identity Card and workplace ID, and funds for payment of the hired vehicle. For foreigners, we shall request your Passport with a valid Kenyan visa, your valid driver’s license from your country of residence, your itinerary during the period of hire, and the

8. Which is the cheapest car hire company in Kenya?

Well, we are unable to tell which company is exactly the cheapest as there are very many corporate and individual players in the Kenyan car hire market. This means the prices shall vary from one company to another. We do, however, advise that you compare like-for-like quotations from different suppliers to get the best deal. As they say cheap is expensive and we would like you to do some form of background check on the service provider. At SunRays Rent-a-Car Safaris we pride ourselves in offering cars for hire at affordable rates.

9. Can you rent a car with a driver in Nairobi?

Yes, it is possible for one to hire a car with a driver. The rates for this will be marginally higher than self-drive car rental because of factors like driver’s allowance which is about $30 per day. You will need to confirm the charges when making your booking.

10. If I rent a car at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – JKIA can you arrange for an airport transfer with the car I have rented?

Yes, we can organize an airport pick-up and transfer for you. We shall not charge anything above the already agreed price. If the group is larger than then the capacity, you have requested, we can work out a plan for your group airport transfer at an additional cost which is dependent on the destination. This also applies to all other airports if you are renting a car from SunRays Rent-a-Car Safaris.

10. If I rent a car at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – JKIA can you arrange for an airport transfer with the car I have rented?

Yes, we can organize an airport pick-up and transfer for you. We shall not charge anything above the already agreed price. If the group is larger than then the capacity, you have requested, we can work out a plan for your group airport transfer at an additional cost which is dependent on the destination. This also applies to all other airports if you are renting a car from SunRays Rent-a-Car Safaris.

11. Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or away from the airport?

There is no difference between renting a car at the airport or away from the airport. The rate of the vehicle is charged according to 2 factors;

  • a. The type of car; The type of car will determine the rate that you will need to pay for hiring it
  • b. The duration of hire; the period in which you intend to hire the car.
CAR RENTAL TYPE: (Sedan/Saloon, Medium SUV, Family haulier, SUV)DURATION: (Days for the period of hire)CAR RENTAL RATE: (per car per day rate)TOTAL: (rate as a factor of the duration of hire and the type of car)
Toyota Axio or Similar
(Sedan/Saloon car
7$35$245
Toyota Mark X7$55$385
Toyota Vanguard or Similar
(Medium sized SUV/ Nissan Xtrail/ Rav4)
7$75$525
Toyota Noah or Similar
(7 Seater/Stepwagon)
7$75$525
Toyota Prado Landcruiser (SUV)7$150$1,050

The table above shows how much it costs to hire different types of cars over a period of time.

  • *rates are subject to VAT at 16%
  • *Please ask if there are additional charges while making online payments
  • *rates are subject to change without notice

12. How much does it cost to hire a V8 in Kenya?

It costs between $500 to $450 per day to hire a Toyota Landcruiser V8 in Kenya. The rate is inclusive of a qualified driver, driver’s allowance, and a full tank of fuel. The car can carry 3 people comfortably with enough leg room for all. This vehicle is not suitable to drive in these national parks and reserves.

13. When should I book my car hire in Kenya

It is advisable you book your car hire at least between 4 to 6 weeks before you arrive in Kenya. This in our view is ample time for you to have enough communication exchange to understand the details that are required and also compare car rental rates where possible.

14. Can I hire a car for 3 months

You are able to hire a car for 3 months or more. The advantage of hiring a car for a longer period is that you can negotiate better rental rates for the specific vehicle that you intend to hire. If it’s for a much longer period, we advise that you consider vehicle leasing.

15. What license do I need to drive in Kenya?

An International Driver’s license is most preferred to drive in Kenya. However, if you possess a valid driver’s license from your country of residence and have a driver meet the criteria of the acceptable age for hiring a car then that shall be allowed for up to 3 months. After this, you shall be required to go to a Kenya Driving School to start the process of acquiring a Kenyan Driver’s License.

16. What is my insurance liability as the driver of a rented car in Kenya?

The renter liability is pegged at 10% of the value of the car at the time of the hire. This rate may vary from organization to organization. Additionally, and more importantly, the renter is also liable for criminal and traffic infringements committed while driving or otherwise under the Law of the Republic of Kenya.

17. Does the car hire company responsible to pay for traffic offence tickets during the period of hire by the renter?

Our car rental company is NOT responsible for any traffic offenses and tickets issued to the hirer during the rental period. It is the sole responsibility of the renter to settle all traffic-related issues by themselves with the Kenya Police.

18. What side of driving is in Kenya?

All vehicles are driven on the left side.

19. What is the age limit allowed to hire a car in Kenya?

You need to be between the ages of 23 and 75 years old to hire a car. Additionally, you also need to have a valid driver’s license and have driven for a period of not less than 3 years.

20. Do you have intercity drop-off?

Yes, we facilitate an intercity drop-off. This will attract an additional charge for fuel and driver’s allowance. Please enquire about these charges while making your booking.

21. Should I hire a car or buy a car while in Kenya

There are pros and cons of hiring a car visa-a-vie buying one.

The main factor that will help guide your decision is what is the period that you will need the car. For short periods – anything below 3 months then hiring would be ideal for you as you will only be paying for the daily rental charge.

If you are staying in Kenya for a longer period or you are relocating, then we would advise that you hire a vehicle to get you around as your source for a car to buy. Here is a tip if you are buying a new car shop around to various dealers to know the price ranges among other details.